Water separation method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A system for treating fractionated water from an oil and gas well. The system comprising a filter system, a diffusive membrane system, a plurality of membrane sensors, and at least one membrane controller. The filter system is fluidly connected to the diffusive membrane system, wherein the filter system comprises a plurality of straining filter banks. The diffusive membrane system comprises a plurality of membrane banks each having an inlet and an outlet. The plurality of membrane sensors are positioned at the outlet of each of the plurality of membrane banks, and the plurality of membrane sensors are configured to detect the total dissolved solids level at the outlet of each of the plurality of membrane banks. The at least one membrane controller is programmed to selectively disengage and isolate at least one of the plurality of membrane banks from fluid communication with the system upon detection if the total dissolved solids level at the outlet of one or more of the membrane banks is above about 20,000 ppm. A method is also provided.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of application Ser. No. 12/771,658,filed Apr. 30, 2010, which claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/235,514, filed Aug. 20, 2009.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to processes and apparatusesfor water treatment of fractionated water, and specifically relates to asystem and method to for the treatment of fractionated water that allowsselective disengagement of at least one membrane bank.

BACKGROUND

Hydraulic fracturing is a process applied to drilled oil and gas wellholes to improve the ability of fluids (such as oil and gas) to flowfrom the petroleum bearing formation to the drill hole. It involvesinjecting high pressure fracturing fluid into the rock formation withvarious additives, thereby causing the formation to fracturecircumferentially away from the hole. During the fracturing process, theinjected fracturing fluid is recovered, while the oil and gas flows fromthe rock formation into the drill hole and up to the well surface. Thefracturing process is often necessary for economical well production.

The fractionation of water results from the fracturing process,specifically, the chemical additions that are typically used as part ofthe fracturing process. In the fracturing process, sand is forced underpressure into the cracks that are pressure induced into the oil or gasunderground formation. The sand is carried deep into the cracks of theformation by a viscous gel. The gel is “broken” to allow the release ofsand at the sand's point of furthest ingress into the formation crack.Typically, the breaking process is initiated by an enzyme breaker. Uponbreaking, the fractionated water is removed from the well, and may betreated with one or more treatment methods.

Many oil and natural gas operations generate significant quantities offractionated water, in addition to their desired hydrocarbon products.Typically, fractionated water is contaminated with significantconcentrations of chemicals that require treatment before the water maybe reused or discharged to the environment. Fractionated water maycontain natural contaminants that are mixed with the water as a resultof the fracturing process, such as hydrocarbons and inorganic salts. Itmay also contain synthetic contaminants, such as spent fracturing fluidsincluding polymers and inorganic cross linking agents, polymer breakingagents, friction reduction chemicals, and lubricants. These syntheticcontaminants, which are utilized in the drilling process, remain in thefractionated water upon extraction to the surface.

One method that has traditionally been used to treat fractionated wateris placing it in large evaporation ponds to isolate the contaminants forlater removal. However, the practice of discharging fractionated waterto evaporation ponds has been recently identified as wasteful in regardsto the potential benefits that might accrue from alternative uses of thewater, and land.

Another disposal method that has been used for treatment of fractionatedwater is deep-well disposal. The advantage to deep-well disposal is thatit does not waste valuable surface land area. However, deep-welldisposal still results in wasting large quantities of fractionatedwater. Since water has become recognized as a valuable and limitedresource, such wasting has become closely scrutinized. An additionaldisadvantage of deep-well disposal of production waters is the high costto transport the water to the deep-well sites.

Because the limited petroleum product supply is predicted to continue,the oil and gas industry has determined that waste minimization andfractionated water treatment is the path to increased hydrocarbonproduction profitability and an improved social profile.

Many fractionated water treatment systems require a complete shutdownfor periodic cleaning and maintenance. In addition, many fractionatedwater treatment systems are limited to producing a treated water streamhaving a certain range of total dissolved solids.

Accordingly, there remains a need for systems and methods to treatfractionated water that allow continuous production of a treated waterstream with a total dissolved solids level suitable for a variety ofwell conditions.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to processes and apparatusesfor water separation.

According to one embodiment, a system for treating fractionated waterfrom an oil and gas well. The system comprises a filter system, adiffusive membrane system, a plurality of membrane sensors, and at leastone membrane controller. The filter system is fluidly connected to thediffusive membrane system, wherein the filter system comprises aplurality of straining filter banks. The diffusive membrane systemcomprises a plurality of membrane banks each having an inlet and anoutlet. The plurality of membrane sensors are positioned at the outletof each of the plurality of membrane banks, and the plurality ofmembrane sensors are configured to detect the total dissolved solidslevel at the outlet of each of the plurality of membrane banks. The atleast one membrane controller is programmed to selectively disengage andisolate at least one of the plurality of membrane banks from fluidcommunication with the system upon detection if the total dissolvedsolids level at the outlet of one or more of the membrane banks is aboveabout 20,000 ppm.

In accordance with another embodiment, a method of treating fractionatedwater from an oil and gas well, the method comprising providing afractionated water stream produced via hydraulic fracturing of an oiland gas well. The method may also comprise straining the fractionatedwater stream with a plurality of straining filter banks and diffusing afiltered stream through a plurality of diffusive membrane banks. Themethod may also comprise detecting the total dissolved solids level atthe outlet of each of the plurality of membrane banks using a membranesensor, and selectively disengaging at least one of the plurality ofmembrane banks if the total dissolved solids level ranges from about20,000 ppm to about 40,000 ppm to produce a blended water stream.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of specific embodiments of thepresent disclosure can be best understood when read in conjunction withthe following drawings, where like structure is indicated with likereference numerals and in which:

FIG. 1 shows a water treatment device in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows an overview water treatment system in accordance with yetanother embodiment;

FIGS. 2A-D shows enlarged sectional views of the water treatment systemof FIG. 2; and

FIG. 3 shows a schematic of a water treatment method in accordance withanother embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment, a system fortreating fractionated water 5 is provided. The system may comprise afiltration system 10, a diffusive membrane system 12, a plurality ofmembrane sensors 14, and at least one membrane controller 16. Thefiltration system 10 may be in fluid communication with the diffusivemembrane system 12. In one embodiment, the filtration system 10 maycomprise a plurality of straining filter banks 18, each having an inletand an outlet. In another embodiment, the diffusive membrane system 12may comprise a plurality of membrane banks 20, each having an inlet andan outlet. The plurality of membrane sensors 14 may be positioned at theoutlet of the plurality of membrane banks 20, and may be configured todetect the level of total dissolved solids present in the water. Themembrane controller 16 may be programmed to selectively disengage andisolate at least one of the plurality of membrane banks 20 from thesystem.

In one embodiment, a fractionated water feed 5 may be provided. Asstated above, the fractionated water feed 5 results from hydraulicfracturing of oil-gas wells. The fractionated water feed 5 may comprisevarious levels of dissolved solids. Fractionated water may containnatural contaminants that are mixed with the water as a result of thefracturing process, such as hydrocarbons and inorganic salts. It mayalso contain synthetic contaminants, such as spent fracturing fluidsincluding polymers and inorganic cross linking agents, polymer breakingagents, friction reduction chemicals, and lubricants. In one or moreembodiments, the fractionated water feed 5 comprises a total dissolvedsolids level ranging from about 30,000 ppm to about 100,000 ppm, or fromabout 40,000 to about 70,000 ppm, or from about 45,000 to about 55,000ppm. However, it is also contemplated that the methods and systemsdisclosed herein may be used to treat fractionated water having otherlevels of total dissolved solids. The system may include sensors (notshown) configured to measure the levels of total dissolved solids of thefractionated water feed as it enters the system for processing.

Referring to FIG. 2A, the system may comprise at least one pre-filter22. The pre-filter 22 may remove large particles greater than 10 micronsin size from the fractionated water feed 5. The pre-filter 22 may removesolids, such as iron, rock, sand, and oil from the fractionated water 5,before allowing the water to enter the filtration system 10. Thepre-filter 22 may comprise a strainer, a bag filter, or other filtertype configured to remove particles larger than about 5 microns, largerthan about 10 microns, larger than about 15 microns, or larger thanabout 20 microns. It is also contemplated that the pre-filter 22 maycomprise other devices known by those of ordinary skill to removeparticles and contaminants from a fractionated water feed 5. Any numberof pre-filters may be used in conjunction with the systems and methodsdisclosed herein, but however, in specific embodiments from 1 to 5pre-filters may be used. The pre-filters may be arranged in series orparallel to one another. A pre-filter sensor 15 may also be provided inconjunction with the system to determine the level of total dissolvedsolids that are present in the outlet of the pre-filter. The system isalso configured to provide a rinsing stream to backwash the pre-filter.The backwashing procedure may allow the removal of buildups andcontaminants that impair the performance of the pre-filter. It is alsocontemplated, that the bypassing fractionated water may be providedafter it is processed by the pre-filter.

The system may also comprise at least one filter pump 24 to pump thefractionated water feed 5 to the filtration system 10. The pump may belocated on the suction side of the filtration system. While various pumpcapacities are contemplated, the filter pump 24 may have a capacityranging from about 20 to about 200 gallons per minute (gpm).Alternatively, it is also contemplated that the filter pump 24 may haveother capacities to suit the demands of the process and apparatusdisclosed herein.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 & 2B, the filtration system 10 may comprise aplurality of straining filter banks 18 having an inlet and an outlet.The straining filter banks 18 may comprise a plurality of bag filters26. However, other filter types may also be used, including but notlimited to, mesh filters, strainers, ceramic filters, charcoal filters,and screen filters. The plurality of bag filters 26 may have filterdimensions operable to filter out any remaining solids and hydrocarbondroplets present in the fractionated water feed 5. The filter system 10may strain out undesirable particles and contaminants from thefractionated water using size straining methods. In anotherconfiguration, it is contemplated that the filtration system comprisesan alternative filter arrangement suitable to remove any remainingsolids and hydrocarbon droplets. The filtration system 10 may receivethe fractionated water feed 5 directly, or may receive the output of thepre-filter 22. Once the fractionated water feed passes through theplurality of straining filter banks 18, a filtered water stream 28 isproduced. The filtered water 28 may be transferred to the diffusivemembrane system 12 for further processing, or may be provided for use inother systems or devices.

Referring to FIG. 2B, in one configuration, each of the straining filterbanks 18 receives a portion of the fractionated water feed 5. Thefiltration system 10 may split the fractionated water feed 5 equallyamongst the straining filter banks, or may split the fractionated waterfeed in other proportions amongst the plurality of straining filterbanks. The filtration system 10 contains a plurality of filter valves 19on the input and output of the straining filter banks 18. The pluralityof valves may be configured to isolate any number of the plurality ofstraining filter banks from fluid communication with the remainder ofthe system. The plurality of valves may be in communication with thefilter controller 32 and may be automatically engaged. The filter valves19 may comprise mechanical, electromechanical, magnetic or other valvetypes that allow the control of the water flow. The filter valves arearranged and configured to limit or stop the flow of water entering eachfilter bank, or even the flow of water entering a particular filterwithin a filter bank, and preventing any fluid communication with thedisengaged filter bank, or filter.

In one embodiment, the filtration system 10 may comprise a firststraining filter bank, a second straining filter bank, and a thirdstraining filter bank. Alternatively, the filtration system may compriseother numbers of straining filter banks. The first, second and thirdstraining filter banks may comprise filters having pore sizes eachprogressively smaller than the straining filter bank upstream. In oneembodiment, the bag filters may be manufactured by Rosedale. Forexample, the first straining filter bank may have a pore size of about20 microns, the second filter may have a pore size of about 5 microns,and the third filter may have a pore size of about 1 micron.

In yet another embodiment, the plurality of straining filter bankscomprise a first straining filter bank, a second straining filter bank,and a third straining filter bank. The first straining filter bankcomprises a plurality of bag filters having a pore size ranging fromabout 15 microns to about 30 microns, wherein the second strainingfilter bank comprises a plurality of bag filters having a pore sizeranging from above 0 microns to above 5 microns; and the third strainingfilter bank comprises a plurality of multiple layer bag filters having apore size ranging from above 0 microns to above 5 microns, and whereinthe first straining filter bank comprises an output fluidly connected tothe second straining filter bank, wherein the second straining filterbank comprises an output fluidly connected to the third straining filterbank.

In a further embodiment, the plurality of straining filter bankscomprise a first straining filter bank, a second straining filter bank,a third straining filter bank, and a fourth straining filter bank (notshown). The first straining filter bank may comprise a plurality of bagfilters having a pore size ranging from about 15 microns to about 30microns, or about 15 to about 25 microns, or about 15 to 20 microns. Thesecond straining filter bank may comprise a plurality of bag filtershaving a pore size ranging from above 0 microns to about 5 microns, orabout 5 microns or about 1 micron. The third straining filter bank maycomprise a plurality of multiple layer bag filters having a pore sizeranging from about 0 microns to about 5 microns or about 1 micron, orabout 5 microns. The fourth straining filter bank may comprise aplurality of cartridge filters having a pore size ranging from above 0microns to above 5 microns, or about 1 micron. In one possibleconfiguration, the first, second, third, and fourth straining filterbank may be fluidly connected to each other in a progressive sequencestarting from the first straining filter bank having the largest filterdimensions, and proceeding down in dimensions to the fourth strainingfilter bank having the smallest filter dimensions. However, it is alsocontemplated that the straining filter banks may be arranged in otherfashions.

In another embodiment, the first straining filter bank may comprise aplurality of bag filters having a pore size of about 25 microns. Thesecond straining filter bank comprises a plurality of bag filters havinga pore size of about 5 microns. The third straining filter bank maycomprise a plurality of multiple layer bag filters having a pore size ofabout 1 microns. The fourth straining filter bank may comprise aplurality of cartridge filters having a pore size of about 1 microns.Alternatively, the first, second and third filter banks may containfilters having a pore size of about the same size.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in another embodiment, the filtration system10 may comprise a filter controller 32 programmed to selectivelydisengage and isolate at least one of the plurality of straining filterbanks 18. The filter controller 32 may be used to control, monitor, andrecord the operation of the filtration system 10. The filtration system10 may include a plurality of filter sensors 36 positioned at the outputof each of the plurality of straining filter banks 18, operable todetect a level of total dissolved solids present in the water exitingeach straining filter bank. The filter controller 32 may communicatewith the plurality of filter sensors 36. If the filter controller 32receives a signal that a particular straining filter bank is notfunctioning properly via the plurality of filter sensors 36, the filtercontroller may communicate with a series of filter valves 19 that may beengaged to isolate the targeted filter bank from fluid communicationwith the rest of the system. Once engaged, the contents of the filterbank may be prevented from contaminating the remainder of the watertreatment system, and may be directed to a rinsing stream to conduct abackwash procedure on the entire filter bank, or a single filter withinthe filter bank. The filter sensors may comprise TDS sensors, opticalsensors, density sensors, turbidity sensors, or other sensor typesappreciated by one of ordinary skill suitable to detect the level oftotal dissolved solids. The filter controller 32 may comprise a PLCcontroller, coupled with a historian, and it may communicate with theplurality of filter sensors.

In addition, the filter controller 32 may be programmed to periodicallyshut down at least one straining filter bank 18 and direct a rinsingstream (not shown) to the disengaged straining filter bank for cleaningand backwash procedures as will be understood by one of ordinary skillIt is also contemplated that other procedures may be automaticallyengaged upon periodic shut down of the straining filter banks.

In another possible configuration, the filter system 10 may comprise atleast four straining filter banks 18. A filter controller may interactwith a plurality of straining filter banks 18, and may be operable toshut down an individual filter in a particular filter bank. In oneembodiment, the filter controller 32 may be programmed to selectivelydisengage at least one filter of the first straining filter bank, atleast one filter of the second straining filter bank, at least onefilter of the third straining filter bank, and at least one filter ofthe fourth straining filter bank. Alternatively, the filter controller32 may be operable to shut down filters in only a selected number ofstraining filter banks. In addition, the filter controller 32 may beprogrammed to disengage all of the filters in a given straining filterbank 18. Accordingly, the filter controller may shut down entirestraining filter banks or individual filters within a straining filterbank, such that full functionality of the filtration system remainsintact even if a single filter is shut down. If a single filter is shutdown within a filter bank, the rest of the water may be channeled to theother filters in the bank, so that water may continue to be processed inthe progressive pore size arrangement.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the system maycomprise a diffusive membrane system 12 having a plurality of membranebanks 20. The filtered water 28 may be split equally amongst theplurality of membrane banks. However, the filtered water 28 may also bedistributed in other fashions amongst the plurality of membrane banks20. In one configuration, the diffusive membrane system 12 may comprisea series of membrane valves 21 that is operable to disengage at leastone of the membrane banks 20 from fluid communication with the remainderof the system. By diffusive, it is meant that water pass through thepermeable membranes under principles of a diffusive mechanism that isdependent on solute concentration, pressure, water flux, and othervariables.

Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2C, and 2D, the diffusive membrane system 12 maycomprise a number of membrane banks 20 ranging from about 2 to about 10membrane banks. Alternatively, the diffusive membrane system maycomprise a number of membrane banks ranging from about 3 to about 5membrane banks. In addition, it is also contemplated the diffusivemembrane system 12 may comprise other numbers of membrane bankssufficient to process the provided volume of filtered water, and producethe permeated water having the desired level of total dissolved solutes.It is contemplated that the diffusive membranes are sized in proportionto volume of filtered water to be processed.

The plurality of membrane banks 20 may comprise a plurality of diffusivemembranes 30. In one configuration, the diffusive membranes may comprisea reverse osmosis membrane designed by Filmtec. One model that may beappropriate is the Reverse Osmosis SW30-4040, or the SW30 HRLE 4040.However, it is also contemplated that other reverse osmosis membranesmay be used in conjunction with the membrane system disclosed herein.Each membrane bank 20 may have a common inlet and outlet, that connectsthe plurality of diffusive membranes in a parallel arrangement. Thediffusive membranes 30 may be configured to separate contaminants fromthe filtered water 28 to produce a permeated water 34 having a totaldissolved solids level ranging from about 5,000 ppm to about 50,000 ppm,or from about 10,000 to about 30,000 ppm, or from about 10,000 to about20,000 ppm. The permeated water is the purified water stream that isproduced by the plurality of membrane banks after the diffusion throughthe diffusive membrane takes place.

The diffusive membranes 30 may allow permeated water to pass through thediffusive membrane 30, while retaining any contaminants that are presentin the filtered water 28. Each diffusive membrane 30 in the membranebank may be similarly configured and sized.

The number of diffusive membranes 30 per membrane bank 20 may vary,depending on the needs of the particular application. In oneconfiguration, each membrane bank 20 may comprise about 3 diffusivemembranes 30. In another configuration, each membrane bank may compriseabout 6 diffusive membranes 30. However, it is also contemplated thateach membrane bank may comprise a number of diffusive membranes rangingfrom about 1 to about 10 diffusive membranes. The membrane banks mayalso comprise greater than 10 diffusive membranes per bank. The membranebanks may be arranged in a parallel fashion such that filtered water issplit evenly amongst all of the membrane banks in the membrane system12. Alternatively, the filtered water may be split in other proportionsamongst the plurality of membrane banks.

Referring to FIG. 2, the diffusive membranes may be configured withinthe membrane banks 20 in a parallel fashion, such that as filtered water28 enters the membrane bank, it is split evenly between each diffusivemembrane in the membrane bank. Alternatively, it is also contemplatedthat the filtered water 28 is split unevenly amongst the diffusivemembranes 30 disposed within the membrane bank.

The concentrate streams 40 produced by the plurality of membrane banksmay be combined, and transferred to a concentrate storage tank (notshown) for additional treatment or disposal. The concentrate stream 40may also be re-circulated through the filtration system 10 or diffusivemembrane system, or both for additional processing. The concentratestream 40 may be provided at about 60,000 ppm, or at about 80,000 ppm,or at about 90,000 ppm. The concentrate stream 40 may comprise all ofthe contaminants gathered by the diffusive membrane system throughpermeation.

The diffusive membrane system 12 may also comprise at least one membranepump (not shown) operable to transfer water from the filtration system10 through the diffusive membrane system 12. The diffusive membranesystem 12 may include any number of membrane pumps. In oneconfiguration, the number of membrane pumps is equal to about the numberof membrane banks provided. Alternatively, the diffusive membrane system12 may include more than one membrane bank per membrane pump. Themembrane pumps (not shown) may be variable speed pumps, operable tocontrol line pressure against back pressure of the membrane banks. Avariety of pump types are contemplated, as will be appreciated by one ofordinary skill

The diffusive membrane system 12 may comprise a plurality of membranesensors 14 operable to determine the level of total dissolved solidsexiting the plurality of membrane banks 20. The membrane sensors may beconfigured to measure the total dissolved solids levels of the fluid. Arange of sensor types may be used to detect the total dissolved solidslevel as will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill In one possibleconfiguration, the plurality of membrane sensors 14 may be positioned atthe outlet of the plurality of membrane banks 20. The membrane sensors14 may also be positioned at the inlet of the plurality of membranebanks 20 to provide a differential measurement for each membrane bank.In addition, membrane sensors 14 may be positioned at the inlet andoutlet of each diffusive membrane 30 within a membrane bank 20.

The diffusive membrane system may be configured to produce a permeatedwater stream having a total dissolved solutes level of less than 50,000.The permeated water stream 34 may have a concentration of totaldissolved solids ranging from about 0 ppm to about 50,000 ppm, or fromabout 10,000 ppm to about 40,000 ppm, or from about 15,000 ppm to about25,000 ppm. However, it is also contemplated that the permeated watermay comprise other concentrations of total dissolved solutes.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the system may also comprise a membranecontroller 16. The membrane controller 16 may comprise a programmablelogic controller. The membrane controller 16 may be used to control,monitor, and record the operation of the diffusive membrane system. Themembrane controller 16 may be programmed to selectively disengage andisolate at least one of the plurality of membrane banks 20 from thesystem. Referring again to FIG. 2, the membrane controller 16 mayinteract with a plurality of membrane valves 21 that are disposedupstream and downstream of each of the plurality of membrane banks 20.The membrane valves 21 may be similarly structure to the filter valves19, and suitable to cut off fluid communication with the targetedmembrane bank from the remainder of the system. Once triggered, themembrane controller 16 may send a signal to the plurality of valves,which close and isolate the targeted membrane bank 20 from fluidcommunication with the remainder of the system, preventing anycontamination. Triggering steps may include exceeding a certainthreshold of total dissolved solids, periodic backwash routines, ortargeting a certain blended water concentration.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in another embodiment, the membranecontroller 16 may be programmed to selectively disengage at least one ofthe plurality of membrane banks 20 if the corresponding membrane sensor14 indicates a total dissolved solids level of greater than about 30,000ppm. The membrane controller 16 may interact with the membrane sensors14 positioned at the output of each of the plurality of membrane banks20. If the membrane sensor 14 detects a total dissolved solids level ofgreater than a certain level, the membrane controller 16 may disengagethe targeted membrane bank by engaging a plurality of membrane valves 21that surround the targeted membrane bank and close the valves, toisolate the targeted membrane bank 20 from fluid communication with theremainder of the system. Accordingly, if a certain membrane bank is notoperating properly, the membrane controller 16 may isolate it, whilepreserving the functionality of the rest of the system, thus allowingproduction to continue without interruption.

In other possible configurations, the membrane controller 16 isprogrammed to selectively disengage and isolate at least one of theplurality of membrane banks 20 from the system if the total dissolvedsolids level exceeds about 10,000 ppm, 20,000 ppm, 25,000 ppm, 35,000ppm or 40,000 ppm. It is also contemplated that the membrane controller16 may be operable to disengage at least one of the plurality ofmembrane banks 20 if the total dissolved solids level exceeds otherthresholds programmed into the controller.

In another embodiment, the membrane controller may be programmed toselectively disengage and isolate at least one of the plurality ofmembrane banks from fluid communication with the system upon detectionif the total dissolved solids level at the outlet of the membrane bankranges from about 20,000 ppm to about 100,000 ppm, or about 30,000 ppmto about 50,000 ppm, or about 35,000 ppm to about 45,000 ppm. It mayalso range from about 20,000 ppm to about 40,000 ppm.

In another embodiment, the membrane controller 16 may be programmed toperiodically shutdown at least one membrane bank 20, and direct arinsing stream (not shown) to the disengaged membrane bank to providebackwashing to that membrane bank. It is also contemplated that otherprocedures may be completed when the at least one membrane bank isdisengaged. The membrane controller 16 may be programmed toautomatically shutdown at least one membrane bank on a regular timeschedule in accordance with the needs of the particular application. Inone configuration, the membrane controller 16 may shut down one bank per6 hours, or 12 hours, or 18 hours, or 24 hours, or 48 hours. It is alsocontemplated that the membrane controller may be operable to shut downthe membrane banks at other time intervals necessary for the particularapplication. In one configuration, the diffusive membrane system 12operates at about 60% capacity because each series of membranes isbackflushed about every 24 hours. However, the diffusive membrane systemmay also be designed to operate at about 50%, about 55%, about 65%, orabout 70% capacity during backwashing steps. The backwashed solution maybe redirected to the filtration system 10, diffusive membrane system 12,or both, or may be removed from the system for disposal.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, a portion of the fractionatedfeed 5 may bypass the filtration system 10 and diffusive membrane system12. The system may comprise a connection designed and configured to mixa bypass fractionated water 42 with the permeated water 34 produced bythe diffusive membrane system 12 to produce a blended stream 38. Thebypass fractionated water may be directed by a bypass valve (not shown)suitable to regulate and control the amount of flow that bypasses thefilter and membrane systems, and is blended with the permeated water.The membrane controller 16 may be programmed to selectively disengage atleast one of the plurality of membrane banks 20 to produce a blendedstream 38 having a total dissolved solids level of less than about20,000 ppm. The blended water comprises a mixture of fractionated waterand permeated water that pass through both the filter and membranesystems. The flow rate of the bypassing fractionated water, andpermeated water may be controlled to produce a blended water streamhaving the desired amount of total dissolved solids. The membranecontroller may monitor the total dissolved solids levels of the bypassfractionated water 42, and selectively disengage at least one pluralityof membrane banks to provide the blended stream 38 having the desiredlevels of total dissolved solids. The membrane controller 16 may alsocontrol and monitor the flow of the bypass fractionated water 42. In oneconfiguration, the membrane controller 16 may disengage the flow of thebypass fractionated water 42.

The membrane controller 16 may be configured to selectively disengage atleast one of the plurality of the membrane banks 20 to produce a blendedstream 38 having a total dissolved solids level of less than about20,000 ppm. In addition, the membrane controller 16 may be configured toselectively disengage at least one of the plurality of membrane banks 20to produce a blended stream 38 having a total dissolved solids levelless than about 30,000 ppm, less than about 20,000 ppm or less thanabout 50,000 ppm in the outlet stream. Alternatively, it is alsocontemplated that the membrane controller 16 may be configured toproduce a blended stream 38 having other levels of total dissolvedsolids.

In another embodiment, the membrane controller may be programmed toselectively disengage at least one of the plurality of membrane banks toproduce a blended water stream having a total dissolved solids levelranging from about 10,000 ppm to about 20,000 ppm, or about 20,000 ppmto about 30,000 ppm, or about 25,000 ppm to about 35,000 ppm, or about20,000 ppm to about 40,000 ppm.

The blending of the fractionated water feed 5 with a selected amount ofpermeated water ensures an efficient treatment method that provides atreated water stream having a total dissolved solids level appropriatefor the particular application. If a greater amount of total dissolvedsolids level can be tolerated in the blended stream 38 for either reuseor disposal, the membrane controller 16 disengages at least one membranebank, and allows a predetermined amount of raw fractionated water tobypass the filtration and diffusive membrane systems to blend with thepermeated water stream. If the tolerated level of total dissolved solidsis very low, less raw fractionated water 5 may be blended with thepermeated water 34. Thus, the present system and method provide atreatment system that adjusts to the needs of the particularapplication.

Referring to FIGS. 2A, 2C, and 2D, the system may also comprise abiocide dispenser 44 operable to kill algae and other organisms that maybe present in the fractionated water. The biocide dispenser may belocated at a variety of locations in the system, including but notlimited to, before the pre-filter, before the filtration system 10,before the diffusive membrane system, or after the diffusive membranesystem.

Referring to FIG. 3, in another embodiment, a method of treatingfractionated water from an oil and gas well, the method comprising:providing a fractionated water stream produced via hydraulic fracturingof an oil and gas well (102). The method also comprises straining thefractionated water stream with a plurality of straining filter banks(104) and diffusing a filtered stream through a plurality of membranebanks (106). The method may also comprise detecting the total dissolvedsolids level at the outlet of each of the plurality of membrane banksusing a membrane sensor (108); and selectively disengaging at least oneof the plurality of membrane banks if the total dissolved solids levelranges from about 20,000 ppm to about 40,000 ppm to produce a blendedwater stream (110).

In yet another embodiment, a portable treatment system is provided. Theportable treatment system may comprise a moveable vehicle comprising asupport surface. The apparatus discussed throughout the above disclosuremay be configured to be mounted on the support surface. The portablefiltration system is sized to fit on a road trailer and comply withregulatory weight limits. Alternatively, the portable filtration systemcan be disposed on any portable surface, such as a moveable platform,truck, or trailer. Also, the recovery unit weighs less than the maximumweight limits tolerated by public roads, and may be transported on aroad trailer or vehicle. For example, the treatment system describedherein may weigh between 40000 lbs and 93000 lbs.

Various sizes are also contemplated for the treatment system. Forexample, the system may be sized to fit easily on mountain side miningsites. Moreover, the recovery unit may be sized to treat between about100 barrels per day and about 5000 barrels per day or from about 200 toabout 3000 barrels per day. In addition, it is also contemplated thatthe various capacities of the unit operations disclosed herein may beadjusted to achieve a desired production capacity.

For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention, it isnoted that reference herein to a variable being a “function” of aparameter or another variable is not intended to denote that thevariable is exclusively a function of the listed parameter or variable.Rather, reference herein to a variable that is a “function” of a listedparameter is intended to be open ended such that the variable may be afunction of a single parameter or a plurality of parameters.

It is also noted that recitations herein of “at least one” component,element, etc., should not be used to create an inference that thealternative use of the articles “a” or “an” should be limited to asingle component, element, etc.

It is noted that recitations herein of a component of the presentdisclosure being “programmed” in a particular way, “configured” or“programmed” to embody a particular property, or function in aparticular manner, are structural recitations, as opposed to recitationsof intended use. More specifically, the references herein to the mannerin which a component is “programmed” or “configured” denotes an existingphysical condition of the component and, as such, is to be taken as adefinite recitation of the structural characteristics of the component.

It is noted that terms like “preferably,” “commonly,” and “typically,”when utilized herein, are not utilized to limit the scope of the claimedinvention or to imply that certain features are critical, essential, oreven important to the structure or function of the claimed invention.Rather, these terms are merely intended to identify particular aspectsof an embodiment of the present disclosure or to emphasize alternativeor additional features that may or may not be utilized in a particularembodiment of the present disclosure.

For the purposes of describing and defining the present invention it isnoted that the terms “substantially” and “approximately” are utilizedherein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may beattributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or otherrepresentation. The terms “substantially” and “approximately” are alsoutilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitativerepresentation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in achange in the basic function of the subject matter at issue.

Having described the subject matter of the present disclosure in detailand by reference to specific embodiments thereof, it is noted that thevarious details disclosed herein should not be taken to imply that thesedetails relate to elements that are essential components of the variousembodiments described herein, even in cases where a particular elementis illustrated in each of the drawings that accompany the presentdescription. Rather, the claims appended hereto should be taken as thesole representation of the breadth of the present disclosure and thecorresponding scope of the various inventions described herein. Further,it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possiblewithout departing from the scope of the invention defined in theappended claims. More specifically, although some aspects of the presentdisclosure are identified herein as preferred or particularlyadvantageous, it is contemplated that the present disclosure is notnecessarily limited to these aspects.

It is noted that one or more of the following claims utilize the term“wherein” as a transitional phrase. For the purposes of defining thepresent invention, it is noted that this term is introduced in theclaims as an open-ended transitional phrase that is used to introduce arecitation of a series of characteristics of the structure and should beinterpreted in like manner as the more commonly used open-ended preambleterm “comprising.”

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for treating fractionated water from anoil and gas well, the system comprising: a filter system, a diffusivemembrane system, a plurality of membrane sensors, and at least onemembrane controller, wherein filtered water is transferred from thefilter system to the diffusive membrane system, wherein the filtersystem comprises a plurality of straining filter banks, wherein thediffusive membrane system comprises a plurality of membrane banks eachhaving an inlet and an outlet, wherein the plurality of membrane sensorsare positioned at the outlet of each of the plurality of membrane banks,and the plurality of membrane sensors are configured to detect the totaldissolved solids level at the outlet of each of the plurality ofmembrane banks, wherein the at least one membrane controller isprogrammed to selectively disengage and isolate at least one of theplurality of membrane banks from fluid communication with the systemupon detection if the total dissolved solids level at the outlet of oneor more of the membrane banks is above about 20,000 ppm, wherein the atleast one membrane controller is programmed to selectively direct arinsing stream to the disengaged and isolated membrane banks.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the filter system further comprises a filtercontroller programmed to selectively disengage and isolate at least oneof the plurality of straining filter banks.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the plurality of straining filter banks each comprise aplurality of bag filters.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein theplurality of straining filter banks comprise a first straining filterbank, a second straining filter bank, and a third straining filter bank,wherein the first straining filter bank comprises a plurality of bagfilters having a pore size ranging from about 10 microns to about 25microns, wherein the second straining filter bank comprises a pluralityof bag filters having a pore size ranging from above 0 microns to about5 microns; and the third straining filter bank comprises a plurality ofmultiple layer bag filters having a pore size ranging from above 0microns to about 5 microns, and wherein the second straining filter bankis disposed between the first and third straining filter bank.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the plurality of straining filter bankscomprise a first straining filter bank, a second straining filter bank,and a third straining filter bank, wherein the first straining filterbank comprises a plurality of bag filters, wherein the second strainingfilter bank comprises a plurality of bag filters; and the thirdstraining filter bank comprises a plurality of multiple layer bagfilters, and wherein the first straining filter bank comprises an outputfluidly connected to the second straining filter bank, and wherein thesecond straining filter bank comprises an output fluidly connected tothe third straining filter bank, wherein the filter system furthercomprises a filter controller wherein the filter controller isprogrammed to selectively disengage an at least one filter of a firststraining filter bank, an at least one filter of a second strainingfilter bank, and an at least one filter of a third straining filterbank.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the first straining filter bankcomprises a plurality of bag filters having a pore size of about 10microns, wherein the second straining filter bank comprises a pluralityof bag filters having a pore size of about 5 microns, and wherein thethird straining filter bank comprises a plurality of multiple layer bagfilters having a pore size of about 1 microns.
 7. The system of claim 1,wherein the plurality of membrane banks each comprise a plurality ofreverse osmosis membranes.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein themembrane controller is programmed to selectively disengage and isolateat least one of the plurality of membrane banks from fluid communicationwith the system if the total dissolved solids level at the output of themembrane bank ranges from about 30,000 ppm to about 50,000 ppm.
 9. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the fractionated water has a total dissolvedsolids level ranging from about 30,000 ppm to about 100,000 ppm.
 10. Amethod of treating fractionated water from an oil and gas well, themethod comprising: providing a fractionated water stream produced viahydraulic fracturing of an oil and gas well; straining the fractionatedwater stream with a plurality of straining filter banks; diffusing afiltered stream through a plurality of diffusive membrane banks;detecting the total dissolved solids level at the outlet of each of theplurality of membrane banks using a membrane sensor; selectivelydisengaging at least one of the plurality of membrane banks if the totaldissolved solids level ranges from about 20,000 ppm to about 40,000 ppmto produce a blended water stream; and rinsing the disengaged andisolated membrane banks.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprisingselectively disengaging at least one of the plurality of membrane banksif the total dissolved solids level ranging from about 20,000 ppm toabout 30,000 ppm.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality offiltration banks comprise a plurality of bag filters, the method furthercomprising selectively disengaging at least one filter from at least onestraining filter bank.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein the pluralityof straining filter banks comprise a first straining filter bank, asecond straining filter bank, and a third straining filter bank, whereinthe first straining filter bank comprises a plurality of bag filtershaving a pore size ranging from about 15 microns to about 30 microns,wherein the second straining filter bank comprises a plurality of bagfilters having a pore size ranging from above 0 microns to above 5microns; and the third straining filter bank comprises a plurality ofmultiple layer bag filters having a pore size ranging from above 0microns to above 5 microns, and wherein the first straining filter bankcomprises an output fluidly connected to the second straining filterbank, wherein the second straining filter bank comprises an outputfluidly connected to the third straining filter bank.
 14. The method ofclaim 10, wherein the fractionated water comprises water having a totaldissolved solids level ranging from about 30,000 ppm to about 100,000ppm.
 15. The method of claim 10, wherein the fractionated watercomprises water having a total dissolved solids level ranging from about40,000 ppm to about 70,000 ppm.
 16. A system for treating fractionatedwater from an oil and gas well, the system comprising: a pre-filter, afilter system, a diffusive membrane system, a plurality of membranesensors, and at least one membrane controller, wherein pre-filteredfractionated water feed is transferred to the filter system, andfiltered water is transferred from the filter system to the diffusivemembrane system, wherein the least one pre-filter is configured toremove particles larger than 10 microns from the fractionated waterfeed; wherein the filter system comprises a plurality of strainingfilter banks, wherein the diffusive membrane system comprises aplurality of membrane banks each having an inlet and an outlet, whereinthe plurality of membrane sensors are positioned at the outlet of eachof the plurality of membrane banks, and the plurality of membranesensors are configured to detect the total dissolved solids level at theoutlet of each of the plurality of membrane banks, wherein the at leastone membrane controller is programmed to selectively disengage andisolate at least one of the plurality of membrane banks from fluidcommunication with the system upon detection if the total dissolvedsolids level at the outlet of one or more of the membrane banks is aboveabout 20,000 ppm.
 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the plurality ofstraining filter banks comprise a first straining filter bank, a secondstraining filter bank, and a third straining filter bank, wherein thefirst straining filter bank comprises a plurality of bag filters havinga pore size ranging from about 10 microns to about 25 microns, whereinthe second straining filter bank comprises a plurality of bag filtershaving a pore size ranging from above 0 microns to about 5 microns; andthe third straining filter bank comprises a plurality of multiple layerbag filters having a pore size ranging from above 0 microns to about 5microns, and wherein the second straining filter bank is disposedbetween the first and third straining filter bank.
 18. The system ofclaim 16, wherein the plurality of straining filter banks comprise afirst straining filter bank, a second straining filter bank, and a thirdstraining filter bank, wherein the first straining filter bank comprisesa plurality of bag filters, wherein the second straining filter bankcomprises a plurality of bag filters; and the third straining filterbank comprises a plurality of multiple layer bag filters, and whereinthe first straining filter bank comprises an output fluidly connected tothe second straining filter bank, and wherein the second strainingfilter bank comprises an output fluidly connected to the third strainingfilter bank, wherein the filter system further comprises a filtercontroller wherein the filter controller is programmed to selectivelydisengage an at least one filter of a first straining filter bank, an atleast one filter of a second straining filter bank, and an at least onefilter of a third straining filter bank.
 19. The system of claim 16,wherein the at least one membrane controller is programmed toselectively direct a rinsing stream to the disengaged and isolatedmembrane banks.
 20. The system of claim 16 further comprising apre-filter sensor configured to determine the level of total dissolvedsolids present at the outlet of the pre-filter.